Jaden Ivey Has Worked Out For Only A Few Teams But Calls Knicks A ‘Tremendous Organization’

Jaden Ivey is expected to go in the top handful of picks in Thursday’s NBA Draft, but the Purdue star called the Knicks a “tremendous organization” amid reports that New York is “trying to” trade up to the fourth pick to select him.

The Knicks currently own the No. 11 pick and would have to package young players like Immanuel Quickley, Cam Reddish, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes and/or future first-round picks to secure a deal with the Sacramento Kings for the No. 4 pick.

“Obviously a tremendous opportunity, a tremendous organization in the New York Knicks,” the 6-foot-4 Ivey said Monday on a Zoom call.

“Obviously, I would be honored to play there,” added Ivey, 20. “They just made the playoffs two years ago and. I feel like I could complement the organization and help them win if they draft me.”

He added that he has “not worked out” for the Knicks but “They came to my Pro Day.”

As for fitting in alongside current Knicks stars like R.J. Barrett, Ivey seemed to relish the idea.

“I think I could definitely fit,” he said. “I have that DNA to be able to be a winner. You have to have to guys who want to win. RJ Barrett, I feel like they want to win…And I just feel like I have that DNA to win and we’ll just see what happens.”

Ivey, who averaged 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a sophomore, has not worked out for the Kings, who pick at No. 4, despite the fact that several mock drafts — including ESPN.com and Tankathon — have him going there.

“I never really made the decision to not talk to Sacramento,” he said. “It just kind of happened.”

He said he’s only worked out for Orlando, which owns the No. 1 pick, and Detroit, which picks at No. 5. He said the coaching staff of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which pick at No. 2, “came to L.A. to watch me work out.” He’s also had a Zoom call with the Indiana Pacers, who pick sixth.

“I worked out for only Detroit and Orlando,” he said. “Those are the only two teams I worked out for.”

Still, he said he could see himself fitting in with the Thunder’s young players, including guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

“I think the Thunder is an up and coming team,” he said. “They got a lot of great talent. I think I can help that organization if they draft me.”

Of the Pistons, he feels he could fit in alongside Cade Cunningham, last year’s No. 1 pick.

“I can play off the ball or on the ball,” he said. “I feel like I could complement Cade a little bit with his ability to score the ball. And just read how the offense is going. I’m a baller, if you need me on the ball or off the ball, whatever you need me to do to help the team win, I can do.”

Ivey is the son of Notre Dame women’s coach Niele Ivey, who won an NCAA championship with the Irish.

“Growing up she taught me the little fundamentals of the game,” he said. “She still helps me today on certain stuff that she sees just watching the games. She’s always got that sense of basketball love for the game. She helps me a lot.”

Ivey said he believes he can help whatever organization drafts him and he’s waiting to see where he lands.

“I think I’ll fit in anywhere but we’re going to see what happens on draft night,” he said. “I’m looking forward to draft night.”